3 Reasons the Dallas Cowboys will draft DT Jordan Davis

Reason No. 3 the Dallas Cowboys will draft DT Jordan Davis

Davis impacts both phases of the game at all levels of the defense

Remember what we said in Reason No. 2? When Jordan Davis was on the field the passing numbers, not just the rushing numbers, took an enormous dip (in a good way). That’s because Davis impacts both phases of the game. He’s not just the run-stuffer some are trying to make him out to be.

The Dallas Cowboys don’t value one-dimensional run stuffers on defense which is fine because that’s not what Jordan Davis is.

Jordan Davis doesn’t just directlyimpact both phases of the game but his presence also has ripple effect on his defense. By dominating the middle he frees up more players to do other things like blitz more or drop more into coverage.

The Dallas Cowboys don’t value one-dimensional run stuffers on defense which is fine because that’s not what Jordan Davis is.

The expectation for Davis is to run in the mid to high 4.9s in the forty yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine. Watching his tape, you’ll see that reflected. He’s not only the absolute best in class at what he’s generally asked to do (clog the middle and stop the run), but he’s better at doing the other things as well. He chases runners laterally and has more explosion and pass rush moves than a man his size is supposed to have.

Is he a true pass rush DT/NT? No. Certainly not, but the phrase “two down player” suggests you just can’t have him in the game when third down is a passing down. You can, but even if you don’t, so what? Because when you draft Jordan Davis, you’re forcing opponents to face longer third down situations.

What if I told you Jordan Davis helps Dan Quinn deploy more pass rushes from Micah Parsons on third down? Even if Davis isn’t on the field. How? It’s simple.

Refer to our focal stat from earlier: Jordan Davis on the field = 2.7 yards per play = 3rd down and 5, roughly. Jordan Davis off the field = 4.1 yards per play = 3rd down and 2, roughly.

Dan Quinn and the Dallas Cowboys defense love using Parsons in a variety of ways. On 3rd and 1-2, Quinn may line Parsons up in the middle to give him the ability to either defend the run or drop into coverage. However, on 3rd and 5, there’s a much bigger certainty the opposition will be throwing the football. Thus, Parsons has a greater chance of being lined up on the edge. Davis may not be in the game on that 3rd down, but the presence of Davis could be why Parsons is seeking a sack rather than being off the ball.

Even still, don’t say Davis won’t help on third and medium or third and long. Nakobe Dean was a great beneficiary of blitzing up the middle because he’s both lightening fast and, well, Davis eats interior linemen, allowing linebackers to complete their assignments more freely.

Aside from where Parsons would line up, or how to attack third down, the idea could’ve simply stopped at Davis creating a longer 3rd down and distance. It comes down to giving the defense more of a chance to get off the field and give the ball back to Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys offense. Jordan Davis plus Dan Quinn’s mind gives you that more than anyone potentially available at pick 24.

The Dallas Cowboys don’t draft 1-tech DTs because 1-techs are notoriously 1-dimentional and defending the pass always takes priority to stopping the run. But Davis has shown he can impact the passing game as well. He can apply pressure himself or he can hold the pocket and allow Dallas to drop more players into coverage. If the Dallas Cowboys want to upgrade their defense, Jordan Davis is one of the easiest and safest ways to do so.